Bare-chested Putin Goes Fishing in Siberia (VIDEO)

Kremlin released new photos of Putin’s vacation in Siberia which show the Russian President bare-chested, fishing and swimming in the river. The President took a break from his official duties and traveled to the Republic of Tuva, in Siberia.

Being consistent with his image, Putin spent an active vacation, with images showing him fishing, hiking, collecting mushrooms with Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and donning a diving suit.

Alexey Nikolsky—AFP/Getty Images

According to Russian news agency TASS, Putin went to Siberia to enjoy an active, outdoor vacation. The Russia President was photoed diving underwater and chasing a pike during a short stop in the Tuva region.

Shirtless Putin was caught swimming in the cold Siberian river. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said this was not the first time that the President visited this part of Russia, but that he always had a goal to visit a new place.

Peskov added that the climate in the region is harsh, with temperature in rivers and lakes rarely over 17C, but it did not prevent the President from swimming.

Equipped with a complete with a mask, breathing tube and GoPro camera, Putin started spearfishing.

“He filmed some unique footage while hunting a pike,” Peskov told Tass. “He chased a pike for two hours before eventually hitting it. It was very brief, but very eventful trip.”